280 – State and Main

What this episode covers

Forgotten cinema, you ask? This week, we’re coming to you with 2000’s State and Main, a Hollywood satire and ensemble comedy from lauded playwright David Mamet. A farce about a film production wreaking havoc on small town America, the film featured a very Mametian cast of Alec Baldwin and William H. Macy along with of-the-moment stars on the rise like Philip Seymour Hoffman, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Julia Stiles. An ensemble win from the National Board of Review helped coast the film through the season, but it managed little other award mentions despite strong reviews. This episode, we talk about David Mamet’s high (but waning) regard in the American theatre in contrast to his more under-the-radar film reputation. We also talk about PSH’s late-90s breakthrough years, SJP’s reign over the Globes for Sex and the City, and WHM’s surprising lack of an Oscar nomination since Fargo. Topics also include “so that happened” as a punchline, Fine Line Features, and NBR giving Best Picture to Quills. Follow Us on Twitter! @Had_Oscar_Buzz Joe: @joereid Chris: @chrisvfeil

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